Superstar for MLOC.
MLOC Productions Inc. continues celebrating 70 years of community musical entertainment with the popular rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, being presented from November 6 – 14, 2015 at the Phoenix Theatre, Elwood (Vic).
With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, the story is loosely based on the Gospels’ accounts of the last week of Jesus’s life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem, and ending with the crucifixion. It highlights political and interpersonal struggles between Judas Iscariot and Jesus that are not in the Bible narratives.
MLOC’s show is directed and choreographed by Rhylee Nowell, with musical direction by Matthew Hadgraft, who have worked together previously in shows on the Gold Coast.
The principal cast includes Ben Paine (Jesus), Carly Daley (Mary Magdalene), Omar Moustafa (Judas Iscariot), Tim Ryan (Pilate), Dean Allen-Craig (Caiaphas), Paddy Robinson (Peter), Ivan Secci (Simon), Sam Marzden (Herod), Brent Denison (Annas), Graeme Marriott, Jamie Giddens and Michael Kent (Priests), joined by an impressively strong ensemble.
Musical Director Matthew Hadgraft says the more he speaks to people about Jesus Christ Superstar, the more he realises how many have a fond memory of seeing the show, or a favourite recording they know backwards and forwards.
“There’s a strong nostalgia associated with it,” says Matt.
“As such, where you might expect to see a modern, cutting-edge take, with ripped denim and mobile phones, this production isn’t trying to make a statement or ‘innovate,’ but rather to celebrate how clearly and brilliantly the music tells the story, and how special it is to so many. We aim to bring it to life simply and honestly.
“Mind you, occasionally some vocal parts have been augmented to take advantage of the wonderful ensemble!”
Matt says the focus of the drama is the tragic deterioration of a firm friendship that ultimately ends in betrayal.
“It’s a pretty brutal story, activated brilliantly by the score, and its intentions are stark enough without iPhones being necessary! As such, the costumes are simple, splitting the difference between the ancient era and today’s world, with an altogether uncomplicated set, which is deliberately neither a huge staircase, nor symmetrical.”
Matt says the lead performers in MLOC’s show are ‘phenomenal storytellers’.
“The only thing more moving than the calibre of the ensemble’s singing is how these guys give meaning – real, raw, honest meaning – to these iconic songs.
“I am hugely excited to share our production with the rest of Melbourne and the world!”
Performances: November 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 at 8pm, November 7, 14 at 2pm and November 8 at 5pm
Venue: Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glenhuntly Rd., Elwood
Tickets: $35/$32 $28 Children 15 and under. Groups 15+ at any one performance $30.
Bookings: www.mloc.org.au/jcs or 9551 7514
Images: Ben Paine (Jesus Christ), Carly Daley (Mary Magdalene), watched by Omar Moustafa (Judas Iscariot), and Ben Paine (Jesus Christ). Photography: Jamie Giddens.
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